Blockbuster goes into administration

DVD and games rental chain Blockbuster has gone into administration

Around 2,000 jobs are at risk after the new owner of Blockbuster Entertainment said it is putting the DVD and computer games rental chain into administration for the second time this year due to tough trading.

Private equity group Gordon Brothers Europe said 32 jobs will be cut at the chain’s Uxbridge headquarters, while 264 stores are at risk as a buyer is sought.

The chain plunged into administration in January, before being bought by Gordon Brothers in March.

At the time of its initial collapse the group had 528 stores in the UK employing 4,190 staff.

Gordon Brothers said its turnaround attempts for the historically loss-making company coincided with a patch of poor trading across rental and retail sales.

It said stores will continue trading but some may need to close if a buyer cannot be found.

Frank Morton, CEO of Gordon Brothers Europe, said: "Since the acquisition we have worked extremely hard to reignite the Blockbuster brand, make our investment work and put the business on a viable footing.

"Despite our best efforts, we regret that we are now forced to make some redundancies and would like to thank any affected employees for their support during the last six months."

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.